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The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia to launch AI guidelines for media and digital content
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is preparing to introduce the Guidelines for Responsible AI Communication, a framework designed to guide professionals in media, public relations, and digital content creation. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasised that these guidelines will align with the National AI Roadmap, ensuring ethical and transparent practices as AI continues to influence public discourse. Fahmi highlighted the importance of human oversight in AI-driven communication, stating, 'We live in an age where communication is borderless and increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence ... even as machines evolve, one thing must never change - human ethics and judgment must lead.' He made these remarks during his keynote address at the Kuala Lumpur International PR Conference (KLIP 7), delivered virtually from Geneva, where he is attending the WSIS+20 summit. The minister stressed that Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship this year requires leadership rooted in vision, empathy, and ethics. He also commended the KLIP 7 theme, 'Impactful AI, Social Media Communication and Online Education,' for addressing the evolving role of technology in information sharing. Fahmi pointed to the Venice Pledge, a global standard for ethical AI communication, as a key reference. He acknowledged the contributions of Jaffri Amin Osman, president of the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM), in shaping the pledge as part of the Global Alliance for Public Relations. The conference, now in its fifth year, serves as a platform for PR and communication professionals, academics, and industry leaders from ASEAN and beyond. This year's event includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions, offering insights into the latest trends in AI and digital communication. – Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Set To Launch AI Guidelines For Media, PR And Digital Content Creation
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's upcoming Guidelines for Responsible AI Communication will provide a critical framework to support professionals across media, public relations and digital content creation, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the guidelines are to complement the country's National AI Roadmap and uphold ethical, transparent and trustworthy communication practices as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes public discourse. Fahmi stressed that technology must serve humanity, not replace it, and urged communication professionals to lead with purpose, guided by inclusive and transparent principles. 'We live in an age where communication is borderless and increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence … even as machines evolve, one thing must never change - human ethics and judgment must lead,' said Fahmi in his keynote address via video message at the Kuala Lumpur International PR Conference (KLIP 7) here today. Addressing the forum virtually from Geneva, where he is leading the Malaysian delegation to the World Summit on the Information Society+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20), Fahmi said Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship this year demands leadership anchored not just in authority, but also in vision, empathy and ethics. He praised KLIP 7's theme 'Impactful AI, Social Media Communication and Online Education' as highly relevant, noting the transformative role technology plays in how information is consumed and communicated. The minister also highlighted the Venice Pledge, endorsed by the Global Alliance for Public Relations, as an emerging global benchmark for ethical, human-led AI communication. 'I'm proud to note that the president of the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM), Jaffri Amin Osman, and, of course, a Malaysian, is part of the Global Alliance board and has played a key role in shaping the Venice Pledge,' he said. He also congratulated the recipients of the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia calls for multilateral reforms, ethical AI at Brics Summit
RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia reiterated its firm stance on the need to strengthen multilateralism, reform the global economic system, and ensure ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI) on the first day of the 17th Brics Leaders' Summit held here. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his intervention session with Brics leaders, urged the world to move beyond bloc confrontations and geopolitical divisions. He called for action to be driven by the spirit of cooperation, shared prosperity, and a collective commitment to a fair, safe, and inclusive digital future. "Malaysia takes seriously the scenario of 'geopolitics of tech' — technological development driven by geopolitical interests — which can undermine stability and stifle innovation," he said. He added that multilateralism is no longer a choice but an urgent necessity to ensure global stability, economic justice, and the sovereignty of developing nations often marginalised amid geopolitical and technological shifts. Outlining Malaysia's approach, he said that the country chooses principled cooperation grounded in justice, inclusivity, and universal sovereignty—not confrontation. As Asean chair, Malaysia is also championing an agenda aligned with Brics aspirations, including calls for reform of the global trade system towards greater fairness and development-centred policies. Malaysia also welcomed Brics' emphasis on the need for AI governance rooted in ethical values and universal well-being. In this regard, Malaysia has launched its National AI Roadmap and AI Governance Guidelines, and is now leading efforts to establish the Asean AI Network to enhance regional capacity and set common standards. "Malaysia stands ready to work closely with Brics and global partners to build a fairer economic system, a safe digital environment, and effective multilateralism for the shared future of humanity," he said. In his speech, the prime minister also addressed pressing global humanitarian issues, particularly in Gaza and Iran. "Malaysia urges the world not to remain silent on the humanitarian crimes in Gaza and the atrocities against the people of Iran. "Brics must rise as the voice of global justice, reject oppression, and uphold human dignity," he added firmly. This year's Brics Summit focuses on the role of developing nations in shaping a fairer global economic and digital landscape, with Malaysia's active participation reinforcing its commitment to universal values and international cooperation. Malaysia's participation in the summit is in its capacity as a Brics Partner Country and as the 2025 Asean Chair. Malaysia officially became a Brics Partner Country on Jan 1 this year.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia calls for WTO reforms, Apec nations to take leadership role
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to a resilient, inclusive and future-ready trade environment, calling for a revitalised rules-based trading order and urgent reforms to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasised the importance of maintaining an open, transparent and fair multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. Tengku Zafrul urged Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economies to take a leadership role in restoring the rules-based order, particularly by reinstating the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism and advancing key trade negotiations, including those on digital trade and fisheries subsidies. Speaking at an Apec meeting in South Korea, he highlighted Malaysia's domestic efforts to advance digitalisation and trade facilitation through initiatives such as the National AI Roadmap and the establishment of a National AI Office. The efforts aim to harness artificial intelligence to reduce trade friction, increase productivit and strengthen supply chain transparency across borders. Tengku Zafrul pointed out the importance of aligning digital and trade facilitation frameworks across the region. He proposed closer convergence between Apec's digital initiatives and Asean's Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), including mutual recognition of digital credentials and trusted trader schemes, to enhance regulatory coherence and promote seamless digital trade. "APEC must not merely respond to global trends, but must shape them. This means embedding trust, interoperability and inclusivity into every initiative, particularly in our approach to AI, cross-border trade facilitation and just climate transition," he said at the the 31st Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting in Jeju. On inclusivity, Tengku Zafrul pointed out one of Malaysia's suggestions was also on the scaling up of capacity-building efforts, particularly for small and medium enterprises, in areas such as circular economy, carbon accounting and smart agriculture. "Real progress is when businesses of every size have sufficient capacity to benefit from advances in technology and AI to achieve sustainable growth," he added. Meanwhile, in a joint statement, the Apec trade ministers collectively recognised the importance of the WTO to advance trade issues and reaffirmed Apec's role in creating a more resilient and prosperous Asia Pacific region. As part of Malaysia's broader leadership in advancing regional cooperation and in its capacity as Asean chair, Tengku Zafrul hosted the inaugural Apec-Asean Ministerial Caucus on the sidelines of the meeting. He also held bilateral discussions with key counterparts, including US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss issues relating to the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia can lead regional AI direction
Before a paycheck even lands, suggestions flood in from online — trending gadgets from TikTok, timed discounts on Shopee, dessert ads aligned with late-night cravings. These aren't coincidences. Artificial intelligence (AI) is quietly influencing choices and drawing attention to products in real time. This is no longer about the future. AI has settled into daily life. It's part of how content is consumed, services are used and purchases are made. Digital experiences are now crafted, not stumbled upon. Efforts such as the National AI Roadmap and the National AI Office position Malaysia as a leader in digital transformation. But as algorithms become more embedded, deeper issues emerge. Convenience comes at a cost. Every interaction is tracked, yet the logic behind decisions often remains hidden. Without visibility, trust starts to thin. AI doesn't just echo existing behaviour — it guides it. When systems rely mostly on input from urban, younger users, the result can be narrow and unrepresentative. Older populations, rural residents, and minority communities are often left out of the data loop. That absence creates algorithmic blind spots, reinforcing divides under the guise of personalisation. Technical success alone isn't enough. If AI is to shape Malaysian life, it must do so with integrity. The Madani framework — founded on values like compassion, respect, innovation, sustainability, prosperity and trust — offers more than policy. It sets a direction. True respect means guarding against exploitative data use. Real compassion means ensuring that digital tools don't only serve the fluent or connected. And trust? That grows when systems are transparent and accountable, not hidden behind lines of code. AI is already choosing what's seen, offered and ignored. The question is no longer whether it works but whether it works fairly and for whom. Government action can help. Independent algorithm audits and transparency reports should be encouraged. People deserve to understand how their data is used and why certain content or products are prioritised. A few lines of code can influence public opinion, spending habits, or even social attitudes. Globally, algorithm-driven platforms have raised concerns around misinformation, surveillance and polarisation. In a diverse nation like Malaysia, responsible AI governance is not optional — it is essential. Language inclusivity is another concern. When platforms neglect Bahasa Malaysia and use Manglish or regional dialects, large segments of the population may be excluded. Inclusivity must be intentional, not assumed. There are encouraging signs. One local beauty brand recently used an AI chatbot to resolve a customer complaint — offering a prompt, personalised apology and a voucher. The interaction felt efficient and sincere, showing that responsible AI can enhance human connection. Yet, many small and medium enterprises remain at early stages of adoption. While interest in AI is growing, implementation remains limited. Many businesses, especially in rural areas, need clearer guidance and support. This is where public-private partnerships can make a difference. Agencies working with tech platforms can lead AI awareness campaigns, especially in rural schools and community centres. Digital literacy is the first step toward digital fairness. Such efforts could be supported by a national AI ethics code for marketing — providing clear principles around fairness, inclusion and accountability. Policymakers would do well to bring this to the forefront of digital governance discussions. Looking ahead, Malaysia has a chance to lead. As Asean chair in 2025, we are in a unique position to shape the region's direction on responsible technology. The Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement may serve as a platform to align data governance and strengthen digital cooperation. AI is here to stay — but how it is used remains a choice. A trustworthy digital future depends not just on clever code, but on shared values, clear guardrails and inclusive dialogue. This means engaging all stakeholders — industry, policymakers, civil society and the public. Through openness and collaboration, AI can serve the public good rather than narrow interests. Because in this algorithm-driven age, those who build with care won't just capture attention — they'll earn lasting trust.
